Carrickfergus Upland Pastures Landscape

Key Characteristics

• Undulating landscape of low ridges and shallow valleys.
• Small fields of pasture enclosed by gappy hedges, earth banks and neglected stone walls; beech and conifer shelterbelts along roads.
• Small, wind-blown trees on exposed upland pastures.
• Extensive tracts of plantation forest, often enclosing loughs and reservoirs.
• Some fields encroached by scrub and heather; rushy bogs in small hollows.
• Pylons and transmission lines along the skyline.
• New houses and bungalows in exposed locations.

Landscape Description

The landscape reaches an elevation of 200-250m. The area is underlain by basalt, but the shallow soils, rocky exposures and wet climate create less productive farmland than elsewhere. Shallow ridges extend from the basalt escarpment to the south to create an undulating plateau. The landuse is predominantly pastoral with small, regular fields enclosed by gappy hedges, as well as by earth banks and stone walls. These are often neglected and have been reinforced with post and wire fencing. There is a large scale pattern of plantation forests and exposed pasture on the uplands, with dramatic contrasts in colour and scale. A number of loughs are also found within this character area, including the dammed South and North Woodburn reservoirs and Lough Mourne with its thin enclosing ring of coniferous forest. The visual influence of these waters on the landscape is limited owing to the forest screen, but they are significant local features.

The wind-blown profile of small hedgerow trees and shelterbelts, emphasises the exposed feel of this landscape. The uplands seem relatively remote in comparison to nearby, low-lying areas, although transmission lines from the Kilroot Power Station extend up from the coast and, with a telecommunications mast, exert a strong presence along the skyline. Settlement is scarce but new houses, often in exposed locations, contrast with the sheltered locations and unassuming styles of stone farm buildings. The landscape is of a moderate scale; views within the area are restricted by the enclosure of landform and woods. However, due to its elevated position, some longer views are possible from the edges of this area.

Landscape Condition and Sensitivity to Change

This relatively remote landscape has not been subjected to the same level of residential development experienced by the low-lying areas close to the coast. However, the few recent examples of new housing are often sited in exposed locations, detracting from the more traditional settlement pattern of stone buildings sheltered by trees. Plantation forests have been introduced along the ridge tops, but generally conform with the landform. This type of upland pastoral landscape is not rare in Northern Ireland and landscape sensitivity may be described as moderate. Although this is an upland area, views are restricted by landform and tree enclosure.

Principles for Landscape Management

• Further afforestation may be accommodated with careful siting and design.
• The repair and management of hedges, walls and shelterbelts should be encouraged to conserve the landscape structure.
• Careful visual analysis should accompany any plans to site new windfarms or pylons in this upland landscape.
• Provision of public access to the reservoirs and provision of picnic facilities and viewpoints will ensure maximum use is made of this rural area for a large number of people from the nearby settlements.

Principles for Accommodating New Development

• Existing new houses may be sheltered and integrated within the landscape by blocks of woodland.
• The design of housing is especially sensitive in an upland landscape; ad hoc housing development in the countryside with disparate and incongruous styles should be avoided.
• Visitor facilities such as parking places and picnic spots should be designed to reflect the rural setting, using natural materials and avoiding unnecessary clutter. This will help to retain the contrast between surrounding lowland urban areas and the countryside.